Anchored by the AB0121211B1A1 reference, this Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 replica presents a stainless steel chronograph with a black dial and the iconic circular slide rule bezel that has defined the Navitimer since 1952. The 43mm case belongs to the earlier Navitimer 1 generation of 2018, and the size sits in the middle of today’s Navitimer range, which spans from 32mm to 46mm, making it the standard choice for most wrist sizes. The black dial keeps the dense chronograph layout legible, with silver-toned subdials creating enough contrast to read elapsed time at a glance. A domed sapphire crystal adds visual depth and protects the dense dial architecture underneath.

The inner scale printed around the dial edge is a 1000 m tachymeter, which turns the chronograph into a speed meter over a measured kilometre. Print this fine is best judged in a straight-on shot of the chronograph dial, one of the checks in our guide’s QC list.

Specifications

• Model: Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 (2018 generation)
• Reference: AB0121211B1A1
• Case size: 43 mm
• Case: stainless steel
• Dial: black with silver subdials at 3, 6, and 9, date window between 4 and 5 o’clock
• Bezel: bidirectional with circular slide rule
• Crystal: sapphire, domed, anti-reflective
• Bracelet: stainless steel Navitimer seven-row
• Movement: clone Cal. B01, automatic chronograph (column wheel, vertical clutch), 28,800 vph
• Functions: chronograph, date, hours, minutes, seconds
• Power reserve: 55 hours (genuine Cal. B01: 70 hours)
• Water resistance: 30 m (same as genuine)

The Steel Bracelet on the Black Navitimer 1

The seven-row metal bracelet is a signature Navitimer detail. Its polished center links catch light differently than the brushed outer rows, adding visual depth to what could otherwise read as a flat steel surface. The folding clasp secures with a satisfying lock.

Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43: Sub-Dials and Slide Rule

The automatic chronograph movement powers three subdials: running seconds at 9, a 30-minute counter at 3, and a 12-hour totalizer at 6. The slide rule bezel remains fully functional for multiplication, division, and fuel-burn calculations, a holdover from the watch’s original role as a pilot instrument. Compared to the cream-dial R17329F41G1 on leather, this steel-bracelet version takes a more utilitarian direction. Both belong to the Navitimer collection, but the black dial and metal bracelet here lean functional rather than dressy.

What Changed Between AB0121 and the 2022 AB0138

Breitling replaced this case and dial with the AB0138 generation in 2022. Side by side, the AB0121 carries a B logo where the newer dial has the AOPA wings, and its date sits in a window between 4 and 5 o’clock instead of inside the 6 o’clock counter. The genuine case is slightly thicker as well, 14.22 mm against 13.69 mm. Inside, both generations use the B01 layout, which on this watch means a clone Cal. B01 with about 55 hours of reserve (the genuine B01 gives 70).

Black Navitimer 1 on Steel Today

Among 43mm Navitimer references, the black-dial variant on steel was the default entry point for the collection until 2022. It avoids the polarizing aesthetic of blue or green alternatives while retaining the full chronograph toolset and the complete slide rule function. Breitling has expanded the Navitimer palette significantly in recent years, but the monochrome configuration of this earlier Navitimer 1 replica still holds its own next to the newer 2022 dials.